Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands capture long-term indicators of substances within the fibers as hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for roughly up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece of about 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is optimal. Measurement on a jeweler's scale is advised. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. Referring to head hair means only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a laboratory drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage of logging a sample into a laboratory system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that test positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed positive in the Screening phase, more hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. Every laboratory stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, NJ, has distinct advantages over urine testing. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests capture a broader spectrum of substance use, making them more effective. They provide a more accurate reflection of drug use history, making them an invaluable tool for employers and legal entities adhering to zero-tolerance drug policies.
One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Washington, NJ, is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history. This extended timeframe is crucial for employers needing thorough insight into an applicant or employee's past behavior.
Hair follicle tests in Washington, NJ, are celebrated for their tamper-resistant nature. The process significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, guaranteeing reliable and irrefutable results. This secure testing method is a key asset for employers seeking to maintain integrity and accuracy in drug screening.
With convenient nationwide and local locations in Washington, NJ, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free. Our ample network of testing centers guarantees that individuals and employers can benefit from seamless access to our reliable services, no matter where they are situated.
In Washington, NJ, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering and undergoing tests, as well as receiving results, is designed to be straightforward, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. This streamlined process ensures that client confidentiality is upheld at every step, providing ease of use and reassurance.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround times in Washington, NJ, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. This approach ensures that companies of all sizes can access reliable drug testing methods without financial strain, combining economic costs with premium efficiency to benefit businesses from every domain.
In Washington, NJ, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer quick processing times and precise substance detection, ensuring high accuracy in identifying drug use history. This rapid analysis helps employers make informed decisions swiftly and confidently.
Employers in Washington, NJ, gain compliance and peace of mind by choosing hair follicle testing for their drug screening needs. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. Hair testing serves as a formidable tool in promoting responsible and lawful working environments.